Lifejacket AD 150N AVIATION PILOT CREW - Visual Control (Easy Check)

FRENCH MANUFACTURING SPECIAL AERONAUTICAL AND FOR AERODISCOUNT EXCLUSIVELY

YOU WON'T FIND THE SAME ONE IN AN AVIATION OR MARINE SHOP.

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Due to its particular SHORT and SPLIT cut due to its design for Aerodiscount which also makes it 700 gr lighter and the 3D neck design, the Pilot Crew 150N Vest is an extremely popular choice for all pilots and their passengers who are concerned about their safety when flying over the sea. It also relieves neck fatigue, making it the perfect vest for those who want to make long flights.

It is specially manufactured for Aerodiscount in short, indented dimensions allowing the vest to be worn in a sitting position with no folds in the pelvis and without hindrance to the new forearms allowing a completely free travel of the stick or steering wheel.

The vest has a low waist belt, positioned low, its slightly curved cut also makes it more comfortable to wear in a sitting position and continuous. The movement of arms and elbows in the cockpit will not be hindered.

It is delivered in the color RED outside - YELLOW inflated

The Pilot Crew 150N is a high specification MANUAL trigger lifejacket designed for those who want high safety. The all-in-one, folded style, neckband with integrated visual verification system allows for easy, comfortable wearing without discomfort. Thanks to the viewing window, the lifejacket can be checked for proper functioning in the blink of an eye. Repackaging in case the lifejacket has been inflated or inspected is very easy. The outer cover is made of soft and strong Cordura Polyester, it has a small velcro on the right panel which allows to store the manual operation cord to avoid unintentional hanging and untimely inflation of the vest.

It is specially manufactured for Aerodiscount in short and indented dimensions allowing to wear it in sitting position without any fold at the pelvis and without hindrance to the new forearms allowing a totally free movment of the handle or steering wheel.

This vest includes the obligatory retro-reflectors on a surface of 300cm² visible in float position, an automatic SOLAS flashing lamp (MANDATORY lamp for an Aviation vest and MANDATORY APPROVED).

NOTE THAT WITHOUT AN APPROVED SOLAS LAMP YOUR VEST IS NOT AT AERONAUTICAL STANDARDS (I have just seen stores that sell marine life-jackets for aeronautical use and therefore do not respect the aeronautical recommendations),

An EN394 approved whistle, a grabbing and hauling buckle (ATTENTION : This buckle is not designed for lifting one person, The Pilot Crew vest unlike the Pilot Advantage vest does not have a lifting harness), The seams and fastenings are of high specification and wear resistance, the waist belt is adjustable to fit adults from 125cm The low and long cut slightly curved makes this vest not on the chest. It is suitable for people over 40 kg. The waist circumference adapts from 60 to 170cm so a child of about ten years old can wear it. It is considered that it should measure 125cm.

Aerodiscount sell this Lifejacket with options. Aerodiscount plays security and offer it to you with the following options : Visual verification (Easy Check), Lamp, emergency whistle and retro-reflective tape.

 A real plus, the option "Easy check Operating Head" (green = OK red = Replacement of air cartridge and check of the jacket) that indicate the good state of usage and inflation of the lifejacket. The Pilot Crew crew is available in Navy blue, but can be ordered for quantities in Red or Black.

A crotch strap (subcutaneous or ingual) allows the vest to be kept in a low position, it will not go up in front of your face and will remain well on your shoulders, swollen or not. It is not an option, it has its usefulness and is mandatory.

This strap allows you to avoid the discomfort and to hang the vest when you will have to dive out of the cockpit after a probable wooden horse and overturn with the water rising and filling the canopy that has become your floor. Same argument if you have to pull someone out of the cockpit.

The AVIATION PILOT CREW 150N Vest is compatible with 4 and 5 point aircraft and helicopter harnesses.

This vest in accordance with aeronautical specifications ensures the automatic turning of the person (if unconscious for example) in less than 5 seconds and the maintenance of the free airways out of the water continuously. It supports the head sideways and backwards to limit the effect of fatigue (a real plus in the event of loss of consciousness). The ingual or interleg strap is essential to ensure the vest is turned over quickly and kept close to the body and in support of the head.

 Aerodiscount provides you with the necessary options to an aviation use (you need to compare what is comparable), crotch strap, navy light, SOLAS whistle, SOLAS reflective tape, Control by visual window.

Lifejackets

If your overwater leg will not take you out of safe gliding distance of land, lifejackets should be worn, un-inflated, by each occupant for the whole of the flight. Modern designs, such as the Pilot Crew and the Pilot Advantage lifejackets are designed to be comfortable and unobtrusive to wear. This is an important factor as if the lifejackets are not comfortable, there may be a temptation not to wear them. Remember, there will probably not be enough time (or space) for passengers and crew to put them on in a real emergency situation. The Pilot Crew and the Pilot Advantage models are designed to be worn un-inflated, and are quick and easy to inflate once outside the aircraft.

This lifejacket is for UML (Limited to Standard Manual Operation) use only, in accordance with aeronautical recommendations (so as not to get stuck in the cockpit. Aeronautical lifejackets are for manual operation and inflate only when the handle is pulled voluntarily. the person should be clear of the aircraft or on the surface of the water. The buckles are made of plastic. The AVIATION PILOT CREW 150N Vest is available in Red exterior color only. This is not a simple marine vest.

It is EN ISO 12402-3 2006 approved.

NOTE THAT WITHOUT A SOLAS LAMP Certified YOUR VEST DOES NOT COMPLY WITH AERONAUTICAL STANDARDS (I have just seen shops that sell marine vests for aeronautical use and therefore do not comply with aeronautical recommendations).

Aerodiscount plays it safe and offers it to you with the following features:

- CE and EN ISO 12402-3 vest approval,

- Ventilated storage protection bag (in a dry wardrobe away from moisture and light like a suit),

- Manual release,

- VELCRO reusable quick closing and opening,

- Plastic buckles,

- Crotch Strap (Often referred to as: Inguale or Subcutaneous Strap),

- Polypro Support Straps with a 25mm towing buckle (the towing buckle is now mandatory on all vests (ATTENTION on the PILOT CREW it must not be used for hoisting or winching)

- Marine SOLAS lamp TSO-C85 Certified with water contact release (autonomy of at least 8 hours in operation, Lithium battery type, autonomy of more than 5 years but to be replaced every 5 years, Lightning frequency 55 per minutes Light intensity 0.75 candela, weight 35 gr with mounting bracket Dimension H26.9 L 55.9 l 37.8mm). Protected by an extra flat dome guaranteeing a wide diffusion of the light signal and considerably reducing the risk of damage during rescue operations. Automatic activation by contact with water. Can be switched off manually.

- Whistle,

- Reflective strips SOLAS >300 cm² (Outside of the vest small stripes and Inside of Inflated Vest)

- Visual system for quick verification of correct operation,

- Mouthpiece for mouth inflation.

- Vest weight 700 gr

- Weight of the cartridge "33 gr" Only Full 135gr (to carry out its control)

- Weight of wearer > 40 kg

A real plus the check of the cartridge state (Green = Ok Red + Cartridge empty or under pressure to change), quickly you check that the vest is functional.

The inner tube is made of Polyurethane film which provides a light and resistant seal. Each vest is subjected to a battery of tests of effectiveness in situation (Floatability, Turnaround, Traction ... on a very large panel of people to take into account the different weights and bodies.

ACCORDING TO YOUR WEIGHT AND HEIGHT
It is imperative that you try the vest on the ground before taking off.
Adjust it as close to the body as possible with a belt and a strap between the legs. This will give you optimal freedom of movement and prevent you from hanging on to it or getting stuck when climbing into the plane or inside.
The Pilot CREW 150 N and Pilot ADVANTAGE 150N vests from Aerodiscount are designed for a waist circumference of 60 to 130 cm.
For children and teenagers, only the weight is used for the calculation of buoyancy, the age is only indicative, in this case it is also necessary to try and wear the vest to the child or teenager adjust it as closely as possible, before any flight.
The buoyancy and turning capacity of the Pilot Crew and Pilot Advantage vests sold by Aerodiscount is 150N which means that they allow for the buoyancy and turning capacity of people weighing 70 Kilos and more. They are however indicated 165N of buoyancy, Aerodiscount has indeed chosen the safety and this guarantee of over-floatability to be sure of respecting the standard of 150N for person of 70 kg and more.

Technical Information :

If your gliding distance does not allow you to reach the ground safely, life jackets must be worn, not inflated, by each occupant for the entire flight. (From the new Marine Semi-Offshore and Offshore regulations division 240 applicable to aeronautics see 2nd section of division 240 (articles 240-2.04 to 240-2.16 + appendix 240-A01). ) https://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/Mise-a-jour-de-la-division-240.html which also requires you to carry an emergency beacon on board the aircraft and a VHF radio. As a precaution, Aerodiscount recommends that you carry a portable emergency VHF radio (https://www.aerodiscount.com/en/radios-accessoires/323-rexon-rhp-530-nav-com-airband-transceiver-en-833mhz-avec-vor-surveillance-bi-bande-et-bluetooth-optionnel.html) as well as a waterproof portable beacon with its flotation cover ( https://www.aerodiscount.com/en/safety-life-jackets/624-individual-detection-beacon-acr-resqlink-400-406-mhz-with-gps.html ).

The modern design of the Pilot Advantage 150N and Pilot Crew 150N makes them comfortable, unobtrusive and wear-resistant. This is an important factor, because if lifejackets are uncomfortable and too embarrassing, there may be a temptation not to wear them. Remember, for other types of vests, you probably won't have enough time (or space) for passengers and crew to take them out of their sealed pouch, open them by tearing the plastic envelope with wet fingers and put them on you or one of the passengers unconscious and in a real emergency situation. Once opened, the vests in the pouch MUST be reconditioned before reuse.

The PILOT ADVANTAGE 150N Vest and the PILOT CREW model are designed to be worn NON-INFLATED, and are quick and easy to inflate once outside the aircraft - plane or helicopter.

CAA Approved, or not CAA Approved?

For Public Transport operations, under an Air Operators Certificate (AOC), CAA Approved designs, such as the Beaufort CLJ Mk20, are required. These designs are not intended for use in General Aviation, as they are not designed to be worn for the duration of the flight - they lack the durability and protective covering required for regular use. This is why they are packed in bags and usually placed under the seats of airliners and often in the baggage area of a passenger plane. They are therefore very difficult to find in stressful and emergency situations with sometimes injured or unconscious people.Moreover, any CAA Approvals lapse once the lifejacket is unpacked, and they require inspection and repacking at a CAA or JAR145-approved establishment before next use. These are best considered as "one-shot" designs, intended for use once-only in a real emergency. It was for this reason that the Pilot Advantage and the Pilot Crew type designs were developed. Their design allows them to be worn, protected by a durable outer sleeve, and they are instantly ready for inflation when required. They are sufficiently comfortable, even when worn under a 5-point aerobatic harness, to not interfere with vision, movement or comfort during flight.

As far as the French Aviation Administration (DGAC) is concerned, no note or document specifies that the vests worn in private and recreational aviation must be approved. The main thing is that they work in case of an accident. But there are nevertheless specificity to the use of a vest in airplane compared to the use in boat. So why not take the vest from the boat? If you fall from a boat, the vest must inflate immediately. This is not the case in aviation if it inflates as soon as it comes into contact with water or if it is made of foam, you may be pinned against the top of the cockpit or after a straddle and roll over you will be pinned against the floor and seats without being able to get out.

This is why they have to be opened manually only.

In case of an accident, gasoline may be spilled in the cockpit, so it is necessary to avoid sparks, especially electrostatic ones, so stainless steel is used. In order to be seen during the day, you need a regulation bright color, for the night, you need an automatic light and reflective strips, and to be heard in the dark, in heavy seas or in the fog, you need a whistle. Only the whistle is mandatory for marine use. Try to whistle with wet lips for only 5 minutes, you will not be able to do it after that time.

The difference with the BRAVO model that Aerodiscount sold and that some sites or stores offer is on the one hand the public transport approval and its cost of obtaining and maintaining and on the other hand that it is an American product (suffering moreover from the rate of the dollar, transport and customs fees) and therefore more expensive. The closing of the flaps of its envelope is also with velcro. It is more comparable to the Pilot Crew than to the Pilot Advantage as it does not have a protective hood or harness.

SERVICING

Maintenance and service on a lifejacket is very important and unfortunately it is often overlooked.
It is essential to check that the lifejacket is in perfect working order so that it does not let you down when you need it most (that would be a shame). We recommend that you check or have checked your lifejacket regularly (annually at best) to maintain its optimum performance. You wouldn't want to drive a car without a check-up, so you shouldn't wear a lifejacket without one. On the Pilot Advantage and Pilot Crew the check is facilitated by the presence of the gas cartridge pressure indicator.

The advantage of non-CAA-FAA approved life jackets is that annual inspection is only recommended and can be performed by trained personnel. A flying club member or club mechanic.

You will also need to keep a maintenance booklet for each vest (indicating trips and overhauls or changes performed as well as the person responsible for the follow-up and who performed the operation).

(NOTE: These indications are recommended by the manufacturer, it is what is required and accepted in particular in England member of the EASA).

You should check the following points:

  Lifejackets inflated to the correct pressure and tested for pressure loss. This is done with the mouthpiece and not with the cartridge unless you change it (Caution no compressed air by compressor - hand or foot pump possible)

  Check for abrasion of the inflatable surface and check for weakened welds
Examine the gas cartridge for minimum weight and corrosion
Check the cartridge control head, safety clip and cartridge cylinder seat seals
Check the operation of the nipple check valve and check the threads for damage
Check oral inflation tube at the connection seal and bent and the inflation pipe for damage, the dust cover must be present and the operation of the non-return valve must be checked
Check that the whistle is present and operational by blowing it
Examine the retro-reflective tapes, they must not delaminate and remain functional under the lamp in the dark.
Examine buckles and fasteners for damage and wear
Examine straps and security seams, including all sewn edges
Check Solas lamp, canopy and crotch strap if applicable
Check the condition of the soft Cordura Polyester protective cover (no signs of rubbing and marked wear or worn folds)

SOLE OBLIGATION : EVERY 5 YEARS YOU MUST CHANGE THE SOLAS LAMP THAT EXPIRE (it's Easy and cheap)

The manufacturer has trained and approved service stations throughout France and Europe. To locate the nearest one you should contact us using the e-mail form on the "contact" page.

"To be sure of its perfect working condition, an inflatable vest must be visually checked and serviced regularly. In the absence of regulations fixing a periodicity of revision in factory or in approved station, on this type of vest, it is recommended to carry out a complete revision every 2 years, (opening of the envelope and manual inflation with test of behaviour in pressure...)"

PLEASE NOTE: WHEN RETURNING LIFE JACKETS FOR REFUND, A CHARGE WILL BE MADE TO COVER THE COST OF SERVICING THE EQUIPMENT. THE FOLLOWING CHARGE APPLIES TO LIFEJACKETS 45€

Sorry: This is a result of small misadventures of dishonest people.

Explanation: You buy a life jacket, you use it and mutilate it (invisible), you order a new one and ask within the 15 days a refund, meantime you substitute the damaged with the new.

Other Trick you cross the channel (one time only) you order life-jackets, you and your travel within 15 days you go back and ask the refund. You had free life jackets for your trip. Nice isn't it?

NOTE: These Life Jackets CANNOT BE SHIPPED BY COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT, therefore they cannot be shipped by LA POSTE (Postal Service) in the DOM TOM or abroad requiring air transport or sea overflight. It is necessary for you to contact us beforehand to find an arrangement and another means of transport using the maritime one but much longer or to make a special declaration and the cost of transport is not the same. You must therefore anticipate. Thank you.

I add to this description and this presentation an instructive video of return of experience, provided in return of experience by the DSAC

(click on the link below - sorry it is in French)

Testimony Vidéo - Smoke in Flight and forced see landing (source DSAC)

I also invite you to print the documents associated with this file and to get acquainted with them. Download tab under the pictures

Note that the ideal is to have a SPECIFIC checklist booklet for emergency situations. If you want an example to rework Aerodiscount can provide you with a free EXCEL file.